We Have An Orphan Crisis

This post may not be politically correct, but I don't care. America has an orphan crisis. We call it foster care, but the truth is this: American children are growing up in institutions. And South Carolina, the place I call home, has the most staggering statistics of any state in the union. I will not be silent. Will you?

What is the need?

There is an urgent need for foster families in the USA. We have over 3,000 children in the foster care system in South Carolina alone. Statistically, one in four children does not have access to a foster home, which means they are placed in residential facilities and group homes. In fact, South Carolina has the highest percentage of youth under age 12 in residential care of any state in the USA at 23%. This is a shame and a tragedy.

Why do children come into foster care?

Children come into care through no fault of their own due to abuse or neglect or the inability of the parent to care for the child's needs. All children in foster care have experienced trauma and loss, often resulting in difficulty adjusting to these changes. These children need caring adults to help them work through the traumatic experiences and develop healthy ways of coping. Through therapeutic parenting, the healthy attachment between a child and foster parent can be the primary means by which children heal.

Who can become a foster parent?

The idea of a perfect foster family is a myth. The foster care system needs diverse families because children have diverse needs. Foster parents can be single or married, working, retired, or stay-at-home parents. Foster families can rent an apartment, own their own home, or live in a trailer in the country. What matters most is the safety and stability of the home and family environment and the parent’s willingness to commit to a child for whatever length of time the child needs care.

To become a South Carolina foster parent, you must to be:

•At least 21 years of age
•High School Diploma or GED
•Capable of financially supporting yourself
•Have adequate bedroom space for a child
•Pass criminal and child-abuse background checks
•Willing to submit to a reference check
•Willing to attend training sessions

What will you do with what you know?

Children need mommies and daddies, not paid staff to care for them. As Christians, we have a mandate from God to care for orphans. Often times we sponsor orphan ministry overseas, yet we fail to care for those children in our own neighborhood who are separated from their parents due to foster care.

Pray about how you can be part of the solution. Consider becoming a foster parent or adopting a child from the foster care system. If you are unable to foster or adopt, speak up for those who have no voice and help recruit families. Raise awareness of the need in your state! You can also raise awareness on social media by liking and sharing pages that advocate for children. Christian Alliance for Orphans, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Empowered to Connect, and SAFY of South Carolina are just a few.

Each child deserves to have a safe and loving family. I truly believe that most people agree. But there is work to be done to see this belief become a reality in our nation. We must persist in this work until every child is home.